BOSTON – May 28, 2013 – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced today that the panel charged with exploring Public Private Partnerships to fund certain transportation infrastructure projects will hold its first public meeting Wednesday, May 29, 2013.The new commission was created by the legislature as part of Transportation Reform in 2009 and is responsible for reviewing and recommending public-private partnership opportunities for transportation infrastructure projects. Public Private Partnerships have been used across the world as an alternative way of procuring and financing projects that would otherwise require taxpayer funding. “Public Private Partnerships can be a powerful tool for the Commonwealth to work with the private sector to meet our transportation needs,” said Transportation Secretary Richard Davey. “We look forward to working with this distinguished group of experts to develop a strategy for unlocking the potential of private transportation financing while ensuring that the public receives the maximum possible benefit from these collaborative endeavors.” “Government works best when it takes a collegial and collaborative approach,” said Treasurer Steven Grossman. “The citizens of the Commonwealth will benefit greatly from this Commission's work in fostering a public private partnership to funding our transportation and infrastructure needs.”

“The work that will be done by the Public Private Partnership Infrastructure Commission is an important step in fulfilling the potential of our transportation system in Massachusetts,” Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) said. “This Commission will bring diversity to our transportation financing portfolio and open the door to tapping private support for improving our transportation infrastructure in the Commonwealth.”

“Public-Private Partnerships can greatly increase the value of public investment in transportation infrastructure, and provide innovative ways to spur economic growth and improve the lives of Massachusetts residents,” said Chairman Macdonald.Interested parties can attend the Commission’s first public meeting on Wednesday, May 29 at 2 p.m. at 10 Park Plaza in Boston on the third floor.For transportation news and updates visit MassDOT at our website: www.mass.gov/massdot, blog: www.mass.gov/blog/transportation, or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot and Facebook at www.facebook.com/massdotinfo.#####